Congratulations:
To all our year 4 children who have made their First Holy Communion this weekend. We look forward to welcoming the children from St Matthew parish next weekend.

Guild Cards:
We are fully stocked with lots of variety and still priced at £5

Vocations Sunday:
Good Shepherd Sunday is the day chosen for ‘Vocations Sunday’ and is celebrated today Sunday 21st April. If you think God might be calling you to serve as a priest within our Archdiocese and are ready to explore this further and perhaps meet other men who are thinking about their vocation, please contact the Vocations’ Director, either by telephoning the Parish of St Charles and St Thomas More Aigburth on 0151 727 2493 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

St Maria Goretti - Special Works Conference
An amazing group of just five members have helped hundreds of women fleeing
persecution and violence in their birth countries to find a better life.  This small
Liverpool team (who are linked to the SVP) help women living in Liverpool and are now hoping to recruit new members to support them in their work.  Support is particularly required with visiting individuals who have been referred and/or transporting household items across the Liverpool region.  If you are interested in finding out more about the valuable work this group undertake or would like to get involved, then please contact Cath Bradley on 07534 780 731 or 284 1866 or email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Gift Aid:
Would you like to be part of our Gift Aid scheme?
You are under no obligation to pay a certain amount or even pay every week, but we can claim 25% back on all your donations each year. You just have to be a tax payer. For more information or to request a form please contact the Parish office on 228 1310 for a form.

Escorted Tour to Westport, Knock & Co Mayo:
16th June 2024.  £899.00 pps.  Price includes flight, 10kg hold luggage, 5 nights’ in 4* Castlecourt Hotel, Westport with Dinner, Bed & Breakfast. Lunch on three days.  All entertainment, excursions and transport included.  Visit Knock, Galway City, Kylemore Abbey, Croagh Patrick & Ashford Castle.  Single supplement on Enquiry.  Contact Patricia or Natali on 01268 762 278 or 07740 175557 or email  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . 

An Introduction to Vatican II:
Saturday 27 April at 10am - 3pm Light of Truth, in collaboration with the Archdiocese of Liverpool, will be hosting a study day introducing the basics of Vatican II. This is the perfect opportunity to learn the basic concepts covered in Vatican II for anyone new to the document. This will take place in the Gibberd Room of the Metropolitan Cathedral. To sign up for this free event, visit this page An Introduction to Vatican II (27-Apr-2024) · ChurchSuite Events

Thank you:
The following is an excerpt from a letter received to both our parishes from our local Foodbank:
We just wanted to say a big thank you for your kind donation which makes a real difference to the work we do and helps us to support local people in crisis. The cost of living increases, have seen a significant increase in the demand for emergency food. Under normal circumstance we are able to cover our food needs with public donations of food however, these have been reduced lately for obvious reasons and as such we are having to purchase food to meet demand. We couldn’t do what we do without the help and support of people like you.
J Puleston – North Liverpool Foodbank Coordinator

Right To Life:
Support an amendment to reduce our abortion law from 24 weeks to 22 weeks. Babies born prematurely at 22 weeks are thriving and there is a contradiction in our abortion law. Collect a postcard from the back of church today and post it to your MP in support of this amendment.

Foodbank:
During Lent please consider donating to the Foodbank and St. Matthew’s Primary School, as they have their own Foodbank supporting pupils and their families. There is a great need in our community for any of these dried or tinned items:
Milk (UHT/powdered) Fruit Juice (long life)
Tinned soup / Cup a soup Pasta / Curry Sauces
Tinned Puddings Tinned Tomatoes / Vegetables
Rice / Micro / Savoury Cereals
Instant Mash Potato Tea Bags/Instant Coffee
Toiletries / Nappies / Wipes Crisps / Snacks / Sweets
Tinned Meat / Fish Tinned Fruit
Jams / Spreads Biscuits / Snack Bars
Thank you to our volunteers in both our parishes who kindly deliver your donations.

Nugent:
We are in urgent need of donations, we would be extremely grateful for any donations!
We gratefully welcome the following items:
Clothing Shoes
Accessories Handbags
Books Jigsaws
Bric-a-brac
Unfortunately we are unable to accept toys, soft toys, furniture or electrical items.
Donations can be dropped off at:
Our charity shop, open Wednesdays and Saturdays 10am-5pm, 73 Allerton Road, Liverpool, L18 2DA
Our head office, open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, 99 Edge Lane, Liverpool, L7 2PE
We may also be able to collect your items – please call the shop to discuss on 0151 737 2951 (please note the shop is currently only open on Wednesdays and Saturdays)

Guild Cards:
We are fully stocked with lots of variety and still priced at £5.

St Cecilia’s:
We are looking for a team of helpers to create a ‘Cleaning team’.  If you think you can help in any way please get in touch speak to Jimmy, Pat or contact the office on 228 1310.  Thank you.

Nugent:
Nugent is in urgent need of donations for both our food pantry and charity shop.

Charity shop – Allerton Road
We welcome the following items:
Clothing, Shoes, Accessories, Handbags, Books, Jigsaws, Bric-a-brac
Unfortunately we are unable to accept toys, soft toys, furniture or electrical items.

Food Pantry – St Anne’s Overbury Street, Liverpool L7 3HJ
We welcome the following items:
Sweet Items: Biscuits, jam, marmalade, peanut butter, chocolate spread, tinned custard, rice pudding
Drinks: Coffee, hot chocolate, cans of coke/lemonade etc
Dried: Noodles, pot noodles, rice
Tinned Savoury: Carrots, potatoes, chickpeas, sweetcorn
Toiletries: Shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste
Cleaning Products: Washing powder

Thank you for your ongoing support to Nugent in allowing us to continue our work of caring for, educating and protecting those who are vulnerable and at risk.

Knitted Square:
A big thank you to everyone still donating squares. Donations are still welcome and they can be left in either parish. Thank you for your continued support, Cath.

Sanctuary Lamp:
St Cecilia’s now has 2 lamps that can be sponsored for a loved one or for a particular occasion. The lamps burn for one week, beginning on a Sunday. If you would like to dedicate a sanctuary lamp in either church please place your donation and the name in an envelope with ‘Sanctuary Lamp’ written on.

A prayer for hope:
Thank you for the hope that life-changing meals bring to the communities that Mary’s Meals serve. May the work of Mary’s Meals help to bring hope and strength to the world and may those children whose lives have been transformed by receiving Mary’s Meals use their education and voices to change their communities for the better. Amen
 
Metropolitan Cathedral launches new family trail and audio tour:
The Metropolitan Cathedral has launched two brand new visitor resources.
Firstly, there's a new  interactive family trail, especially designed for younger visitors. Free to access from any smartphone, Explore with Eva takes visitors on a treasure-hunt style journey around the Cathedral.
There is also an immersive audio tour, which enables local and international visitors to experience the sights and sounds of the Metropolitan Cathedral like never before. For more information, visit: https://www.liverpoolcatholic.org.uk/news/metropolitan-cathedral-launches-new-family-trail-and-audio-tour

The Universe Catholic Weekly Online Newspaper:
Is true to its mission of being “a light to guide the world, and a mirror to reflect it” Keeping Catholics informed about their faith and bringing them ever closer to God. In order to keep our high standard going and maintain a strong weekly Catholic voice at a time when it is much needed in the world, please consider taking out a subscription.
We have an excellent website full of trustworthy articles and an online shop with all subscribers receiving a 10% discount.
Order your Digital 2 weeks free introductory offer by calling Michelle on 0743 661 7650 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Below is the link to the latest edition of the Universe Catholic Weekly:
https://universecatholicweekly.co.uk/universe-weekly-newsletters/march-2023/UNIVERSE-17-MARCH.pdf

Guild Cards:
Both parishes are now fully stocked with guild cards. Still priced at £5

CAFOD:
The church relies on people getting involved. Our church, our world needs you. Could your New Year’s resolution be getting more involved in the life of our church? What aspects of church brings you life or joy? Could you give a bit of time to help those parts flourish?

CAFOD, the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development, are looking for people to give some time and join them in their mission. Could you help in our parish, bringing people together to help build a better world or by visiting local schools? Or raise a voice and campaign for justice or perhaps speak for CAFOD throughout the diocese? Could you support local volunteers or share your office skills to help CAFOD keep costs low? Training and support is provided. See cafod.org.uk/Volunteer for more information or get in touch with Colette at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 07779 804 242

Warm & Cosy:
The Archdiocese approved for our parish centres to be used as ‘warm and cosy’ centres during the winter months. The centres will be welcoming people to enjoy free tea, coffee and biscuits and have free use of TVs and wi-fi in a safe space. From Wednesday St Cecilia’s Club will be open between 1 pm - 3.30 pm every week. Other local parish centres are open on:
St Paul’s, West Derby - Tuesday 1 pm - 3.30 pm
St Margaret Mary’s, Knotty Ash - Wednesday 1pm - 3.30 pm

Holy Rosary - Old Roan:
Parish Hall, Altway, Aintree Village, Liverpool, L10 2LG
The parish hall is open every Friday from 12.00 - 2.00pm with a warm lunch served at about 12.30pm. There is no charge for the lunch, but donations are welcome. Thank you to the great people who have volunteered - it is not too late to come on board.  All are welcome to join us for lunch and warm friendship

Archdiocesan Vacancies: 
There are currently a number of vacancies, for more info please visit: www.liverpoolcatholic.org.uk/jobs

CAFOD:
Did you know? CAFOD is the official overseas aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales. We work with some of the most hard-to-reach communities around the world and those living in the hardest of circumstances. We believe in tackling the root causes of poverty and this is why we ask our supporters to take part in our campaigns which address poverty and injustice head-on. We encourage people to sign petitions, meet their MPs and contact big businesses etc. Together we’ve witnessed some historic breakthroughs such as debt relief for struggling countries, action by government on climate change and large companies signing up to ethical agreements. Thank you for joining us in this work. Do have a look at our current campaign which is about food cafod.org.uk/food and help make the world a better place for all.

Mass Intentions:
Both parishes currently have a backlog of Mass Intentions, we apologise if your Mass is not celebrated on your requested date but they will be said asap.

Clatterbridge Cancer Centre - Liverpool:
Are looking for volunteers to assist at the hospital. Duties will include way-finding and general assistance around the wards. If you would like to become a volunteer or for more information, please contact David Lee, the Volunteer
Co-Ordinator on: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Standing Order:
HSBC are going through some changes which effects us in the way we deposit our weekly offerings.
Have you considered setting up a Standing Order? Your offering can be made weekly or monthly on a date that suits you and can be cancelled at any time. If you would like a form please contact Lyndsey on 228 1310.

St Cecilia’s Parish Club:
If you would like to book the function room contact 228 1679.






 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

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United in Prayer
Although public Masses have been stopped for the time being, we can still keep our parish community together and be united in prayer. This coming Wednesday (25th) is the Solemnity of the Annunciation when we celebrate the announcement of the Angel Gabriel to Mary that she will be the mother of the Son of God. The Angelus prayer is said to mark this occasion, and it can also be prayed daily. Everyday at 12 noon you are invited to pray the Angelus, you can offer this prayer for your own intentions and know that you are not alone, our parish community is praying with you. The bell at St Matthew’s will toll each day to mark the beginning of the Angelus.

The Angelus
V. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary,
R. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary, etc...

V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
R. Be it done unto me according to Your Word.

Hail Mary, etc...

V. And the Word was made flesh,
R. And dwelt among us.

Hail Mary, etc...

V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray:

Pour forth, we beseech You, O Lord,
Your Grace into our hearts;
that as we have known the incarnation of Christ,
your Son by the message of an angel,
so by His passion and cross
we may be brought to the glory of His Resurrection.
Through the same Christ, our Lord.

Amen.


Practicing Spiritual Communion
It’s important to recall that, although our obligation to attend Mass might be dispensed, we are never dispensed from honouring the Commandment to “keep holy the Lord’s day.” Sunday remains to be set apart as another opportunity to grow in communion with the Lord. When we are unable physically to attend Mass, we may consider the practice of “spiritual communion”.
Spiritual Communion is a traditional practice of expressing to the Lord our longing for him and our desire for him to enter our hearts. St. Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) said: “When you do not receive communion and you do not attend Mass, you can make a spiritual communion, which is a most beneficial practice; by it the love of God will be greatly impressed on you.”
St. Jean-Marie Vianney (1786-1859), the famous country priest from Ars, France, once said “when we feel the love of God growing cold, let us instantly make a spiritual Communion. When we cannot go to the church, let us turn towards the tabernacle; no wall can shut us out from the good God.”

Prayer to make a Spiritual Communion
My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there, and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.

Making a Spiritual Communion in church
Oh Jesus, I turn toward the holy tabernacle where You live hidden for love of me. I love you, O my God. I cannot receive you in Holy Communion. Come, nevertheless, and visit me with Your grace. Come spiritually into my heart. Purify it. Sanctify it. Render it like unto Your own. Amen.
Lord, I am not worthy that Thou should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.
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Parish Meeting:
All Parish meeting’s are now cancelled until further notice.

Parish sick & housebound:
All visit to are currently suspended until further notice. Please make sure we have full contact details for all sick & housebound especially phone numbers.

2020 Walsingham Pilgrimage: Cancelled: Important Information: COVID-19:
Hi to all those who have booked to go on this year's Walsingham Pilgrimage. It is with a heavy heart that I write to advise you that our May Pilgrimage has been cancelled due to the current situation, understandably.
I asked Walsingham whether I could re-book for later in the year when, hopefully, things have settled down. Unfortunately, they aren't taking any bookings at this point in time.
You have all paid a £20 deposit. This will be honoured for when I am able to re-book.
Some of you have sent payments to me recently. I will be in touch with you very soon to arrange getting them back to you.  Everyone else, please do not send me any more payments.
I will write again when I have further information about us re-booking.
Much love, Dave Cotterill

Dear Parishioners
As an additional part of our Synod Journey, and in light of the changes COVID-19 has brought to our lives, we are being invited to reflect on the kind of Church God is calling us to be. 
Please do take a few moments to watch the short film, click on and read the reflections, which are there to help you in making your proposal.  Then Submit your proposal directly to the Synod Team before 18th May 2020.
Thank you for your continued support.   
Take care, stay safe
God bless
Anne

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We come together as a Parish to discuss our 4th and final Synod Theme
“BUILDING COMMUNITY, NURTURING BELONGING”
In this theme “BUILDING COMMUNITY, NURTURING BELONGING” we are given the opportunity to look at how we, as a church can reach out to all people in our society, the young, the elderly and those living on the periphery eg migrants, Travellers, Prisoners, The handicapped, the poor and those in our hospitals and nursing homes etc . Helping us to put forward a vision, enabling all to participate fully in the life and mission of the church. Everybody to feel their contribution is respected and values and all to feel welcomed.
Questions to help you prepare proposals
• How do we ensure our parishes are inclusive and welcoming?
• How do we hand on our faith? Can you think of ways to do this better?
• How can we encourage and support the work of our Catholic schools?
• How can we support and strengthen the home, school, parish partnership?
• How do we reach out to those who feel excluded, on the margins, weak, or vulnerable?
• How do our parishes grow in love for God and service of our neighbour?
• How can parishes work better together?
• What will the parish of the future be like - given a realistic look at the number of priests and people we have?

This is what you said (Taken from the Synod Listening)
“Children should feel safe and loved in our Church.”
“Divisions leave people feeling marginalised and pushed to the fringes.”
“Young people should feel fully part of the community.”
“Parishes are important for building community in a fractured society.”
“The Church is vital in welcoming and valuing the weak and the vulnerable.”
“Find better ways of handing on the faith.”
“Housebound or infirm should still feel part of our communities.”
“Belonging to a parish community is good for children and families.”
And much more
Take a moment to ponder these questions:
• Pope Francis reminds us that we love God by caring and loving each other, this is at the heart of our faith. Individualism gives way to solidarity. In what way do I try to do this in my own life?
• Pope St John Paul II says we must do all we can to support families, especially in handing on the faith. What is my experience of this in my own family, in my parish?
• How do the families I know show their care for each other and for those in need?
• Have I seen evidence of parish communities becoming families in themselves, drawing in and including those who don’t have a supportive family network?
? how as a church can we embrace everybody’s uniqueness make them feel Valued, Equal, Welcomed, Included and Respected

Please complete the proposal slip below, you can email it to me on; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Thank you  


Building community, nurturing belonging
Having reflected on the situation and how our Faith informs us, what needs to be done in order to become the Church God is calling us to be;
 
 



 

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